Project Number: 5325-41440-004-03
Project Type: Contract

Start Date: Dec 14, 2004
End Date: Dec 13, 2009

Objective:
The objective of this research is to understand the characteristics of soluble polymers in order to develop improved soluble dietary fibers that reduce undesirable plasma lipids and high postprandial glucose concentrations by defining polymer characteristics that are necessary for biological function. Polymer characteristics will be identified and their physiological effects determined by testing in animal models.

Approach:
Quantitative molecular and solution characteristics of methyl-substituted celluloses will be used to select a range of properties including but not be limited to viscosity. Polymers representing a range of characteristics will be fed to test animals to determine their plasma lipid and glucose modifying ability. A model based on molecular and solution characteristics that improves plasma markers will be developed. The hyperlipidemic hamster model will be used as the test animal. Plasma lipoprotein cholesterol, glucose and triglycerides; fecal bile acids; liver cholesterol and triglycerides will be used as markers of disease risk. Documents CRADA. Log 27709.